PhD Sociology at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Sociology at Glasgow is defined by a shared commitment to rigorous, innovative and useful research. Staff work across crime and criminal justice, social inequalities and identities, risky behaviour, and theoretical and cultural research.

Department: Sociology | Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research leading to a thesis of 70,000-100,000 words and a viva voce. Areas include crime, criminal justice and punishment; racism, disability, health, gender and sexualities; gambling and drug use; and kinship, families, intimacy and critical media research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree with a significant component in Sociology; candidates are also usually expected to have completed or be undertaking a Master's qualification. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificate(s), CV, research proposal, two references and named supervisor information. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests from 21 January 2026, PTE Academic test centre 70 overall with component minimums; other tests accepted); tests must be within 2 years 5 months of the start date.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK fee for 2026/27 as stated; 2027/28 UK fee to be confirmed; part-time is half the full-time fee Source

International applicants: GBP 28,275 a year (2027/28). International & EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time is half the full-time fee; bench fees not included Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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